Speaker
Description
Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) with multilateral wells is a promising method for developing deep geothermal energy. However, how to stimulate desired pathways for optimizing heat extraction from multilateral-well EGSs poses a significant challenge, particularly in figuring out what stimulated fracture pattern exhibits and its impact on heat production in EGSs with diverse distribution of closed natural fractures. To conquer this challenge, we systematically investigate the role of fracture organization in stimulation and production of multilateral-well EGSs. Our findings highlight that geometrical connectivity (χ) of natural fractures (rather than fracture density or size) determines stimulated fracture patterns and consequent production efficiency. Notably, as natural fracture clusters exceeding percolation threshold (χc) from below, stimulated fracture patterns transition from isolated nonplanar fractures to interconnected fracture networks, as well as the resulting production performance shifts from channelized flow organization and low heat extraction power to homogeneous flow distribution and high global heat recovery. Besides, we distinguish that EGSs with poor connectivity (χ < χc or χ ≈ χc) are better suited for multi-stage fracturing to optimize heat extraction. Conversely, open-hole fracturing method is preferable for tapping EGSs with well connectivity (χ > χc). These insights are crucial for optimizing stimulation and production in EGSs.
| Country | China |
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